Justice – Justice & Hope – Micah 7
3 Questions
- When faced with injustice do you become more of an Eeyore or a Hulk? What’s the better way that Jesus shows us?
- What stood out to you most in Kelvin and Catherine’s interview?
- Read Micah 7:7 and 7:18-20. Have you lost or struggled to maintain hope in Jesus this past year? What line from the verses most encourages you going forward?
2 Prayer Prompts
- Pray for racial minorities, persons of colour, and anyone who might feel on the fringes in Kingston. Pray for them to know the hope of Jesus.
- Pray against anger and despair in Jesus name and pray for Bay Park to grow in Jesus-centred hope.
1 Action
- Step into the shoes of the vulnerable and marginalized (ie book, blog, brunch).
Justice – Justice & My Neighbour – Micah 6
3 Questions
- Think back on a time when you were in a position of need and having to rely on the generosity of others. What was it like and how did it impact who you are today?
- In what ways and circumstances might you be more like the Priest and Levite than the Samaritan? What obstacles keep us from either seeing or responding to people in need? How can we overcome them together?
- Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. Which comes most naturally to you? Which is more difficult?
2 Prayer Prompts
- “Jesus thank you for being the Great Samaritan. I especially thank you for . . .”
- “Holy Spirit I admit that at times I’m more like the priest and the Levite than Jesus, help me to . . .”
1 Action
- Keep your eyes out for someone stranded or in trouble this week (e.g. a coworker who’s feeling down, a grocery store clerk that looks stressed, someone whose car broke down) and look for a way to be like Jesus (a Good Samaritan) in that situation.
Justice – Jesus & Justice – Micah 5:1-6
3 Questions
- What people group (class, ethnicity, political party, age or gender) other than your own do you related to most and why? Which one do you relate to least and why?
- Of all the gospel accounts of Jesus’ interaction with various people groups, which one speaks to you most and why? Not familiar with the life of Jesus? No worries, just follow this link: https://interactivelifeofjesus.com/a-complete-list-of-events-in-the-life-of-jesus/
- Who might Jesus be calling you to look at differently, in a more humanizing way?
2 Prayer Prompts
- “Holy Spirit grow in me a Jesus shaped vision of justice, one that . . . .”
- “God show me how to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with you this week.”
1 Action
- Get to know the hopes and dreams of someone you struggle to understand or get.
Justice – Gentle Justice- Isaiah 42:1-4 & Micah 4:6-7
3 Questions
- Most people tend to visualize God as either too wrathful and judgmental or too gentle, but the justice of God and the love of God cannot be separated. Which image of God do you gravitate towards?
- Which image do you most identify with: the broken reed, smouldering wick, stubborn lamb, or exiled people?
- Read James 1:20 and Proverbs 15:1. Why is listening and responding gently so difficult? In what areas do you need God’s help with this?
2 Prayer Prompts
- Pray for gentle justice in various global concerns: BLM and protests, American election, climate change, and others. Keep your eyes fixed on our good God as you pray through these tough topics.
- Pray for gentle justice in your workplaces, communities, families and church.
1 Action
- Jesus came not to be served but to serve. Are you finding ways to serve others during the pandemic?
Justice – War Garden – Micah 4:1-5
3 Questions
- What does it mean to unveil what’s backstage? How did Micah and Jesus model this? How can Christians do it in a constructive way?
- Ryan said we might have blinders on, ignoring the injustice around us, but we may also try to push forth our own agenda of justice. Which extreme do you gravitate more towards?
- What are the “war zones” around us in Kingston? How can we plant gardens?
2 Prayer Prompts
- Pray against the Enemy’s wicked empire sowing racism, oppression, and division in the Church and the world. Pray for the Church to fight well with the sword of the Good News.
- Pray for the “war zones” in Kingston identified above and for God’s vision of justice to breakthrough.
1 Action
- Reach out to someone with whom you have butted heads over on political, social, or even personal issues. If possible, work on rebuilding a healthy conversation or friendship with them.
Hot Seat Sunday
3 Questions
- What question and answer did you relate to most and why?
- If there was one question you wish had been asked and answered it would be?
- What questions do your friends and family wrestle with and how can you help them?
2 Prayer Prompts
- Pray through questions and doubts asking God for clarity and peace.
- Ask God to bring at least one person to mind that you can help with their questions.
1 Action
- Help one person by engaging in conversation over a question they’re wrestling with.
Justice – Punishment or Protection – Micah 3
3 Questions for Exploration
- How has your vision of justice being changed or challenged so far?
- How has your understanding of God been enhanced?
- Of the four biblical categories of vulnerable (widows, orphans, immigrants and poor) who do you feel for most today and why?
2 Prayer Prompts
- Holy Spirit show me where I need to repent of not living justly.
- Holy Spirit make my heart more like yours, especially in matters of justice.
1 Action
- Use your time, talent, treasure to help one vulnerable person this week (near or far)
Justice and the Human Heart – Micah 2
3 Questions for Exploration
- When you hear the words repentance and confession, what comes to mind first?
- Who in your life do you look up to as a role model of repentance and why?
- Is there a time or season in your life where repentance played a transformative role?
2 Prayer Prompts
- Invite the Holy Spirit to “search me and show me if there is any offensive way in me.” (Ps 139:23-24)
- Pray through global injustice issues from a repentance point of view. Yes, we can stand in the gap for others (ie Moses – Exodus 34:8-9, Jesus – Luke 23:34).
1 Action
- Share your repentance learnings with a trusted friend and pray together.
Justice is God’s – Micah 1
3 Questions for Exploration
- What justice issues are you most passionate about and why?
- Does knowing that God is the author of justice change the way you relate to these issues?
- Reread Micah 1:1-7 together. What is God saying to you through the text, personally?
2 Prayer Prompts
- Pray through the justice issues that have surfaced. Remember, God cares!
- Pray that the Holy Spirit would Help your group act justly and not just speak about justice.
1 Action
- Read Micah 6:8 repeatedly and carefully this week.